Champs Spain win Euro 2012
Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012 in Kiev Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata seal win Spain first team to successfully defend European Championship titleLa Roja also won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
Vicente Del BosqueAfter the break, Italy responded with a pair of chances for Antonio di Natali, the first a header, the second with a clearer sight of goal only to be denied twice in quick succession by Spain captain Iker Casillas.Italian hopes of a comeback took a further dent when their final substitute, Thiago Motta, lasted only five minutes before being stretchered off.Against a tiring team with only 10 men, Spain eventually took full advantage after the introduction of Chelsea's Torres.Xavi found him with another superb pass and he slotted home the third on 84 minutes, becoming the first man to score in two successive European Championship finals.He had grabbed the only goal of the 2008 final win over Germany.Torres then cleverly set up his club teammate Mata to score with virtually his first touch of the ball.In doing so, Torres clinched the tournament's Golden Boot for his joint leading three goals and that final assist.We came up against a terrific side
Cesare PrandelliIt left Casillas to lift the trophy in the magnificent Olympic Stadium, the Real Madrid goalkeeper reveling in yet another showpiece triumph for a team many are calling the greatest in history."This is such a truly wonderful moment. The second goal from Jordi (Alba) clinched it really," he told Telecinco television."It's been four marvelous years. You might think that a 4-0 margin against Italy means it was easy -- but we have been gradually stepping up as the tournament went along."Sunday's final set the seal on three weeks of competition in Ukraine and Poland at eight match venues and involving 16 teams.Twenty four national sides will take their place in the next finals in France in 2016 and they will do well to match the overall high standard of attacking play in Euro 2012.Incidents of racist chanting and violent clashes between supporters from Poland and Russia marred the group stages, but fears of widespread fan violence proved just fears.This is such a truly wonderful moment. The second goal from Jordi (Alba) clinched it really
Iker CasillasUkraine's alleged mistreatment of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko also led to threats of a boycott by European political leaders, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended their quarterfinal victory over Greece.Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rayoy were guests at the final, a welcome distraction perhaps from the economic turmoil engulfing their austerity-hit countries in the Eurozone crisis.More controversially, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko was also among the dignitaries, despite being the subject of a European Union travel ban.His invite sparked a protest from a feminist group in Kiev before the final.
June 29, 2012 -- Updated 2226 GMT (0626 HKT) 
Sunday's Euro 2012 final in Kiev pits holders Spain against Italy, between them the winners of the last two World Cups.July 2, 2012 -- Updated 2355 GMT (0755 HKT) 
Euro 2012: Images from 13th European Championships being held in Poland and Ukraine.June 29, 2012 -- Updated 1447 GMT (2247 HKT) 
Can English football reinvent its "warrior" style to emulate the success of freeflowing football nations such as Spain and Germany?June 22, 2012 -- Updated 1202 GMT (2002 HKT) 
The Germany-Greece quarterfinal at Euro 2012 is just one example of when political and sporting lines become blurred.June 20, 2012 -- Updated 1601 GMT (0001 HKT) 
CNN's panel of football experts look at the Euro 2012 contenders ahead of the quarterfinal stage.
With Euro 2012's group stage now over, CNN's Pedro Pinto picks out his highlights of the action in Poland and Ukraine.June 19, 2012 -- Updated 1619 GMT (0019 HKT) 
UEFA's decision to fine Nicklas Bendtner for revealing a sponsor's name on his underpants during Euro 2012 may have opened a can of worms.
CNN's Alex Thomas wonders how such an exciting football team as Spain could become, as heretical as it may seem to say... boring.June 14, 2012 -- Updated 1543 GMT (2343 HKT) 
Fighting in the streets of Warsaw during the opening week of Euro 2012 is a stark reminder that football's "disease" has not been cured.
CNN's Amanda Davies argues that footballers are picked for their sporting ability, not because they can do justice to their national song.June 8, 2012 -- Updated 1346 GMT (2146 HKT) 
Poland kicked off Euro 2012 as one of the underdogs. It is a far cry from the days when the nation was one of the most feared teams in world soccer. June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1759 GMT (0159 HKT) 
Euro 2012 is almost upon us and Europe's finest footballers will be marked men -- in more ways than one.June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1632 GMT (0032 HKT) 
CNN World Sport looks at the challenges that teams and host countries Poland and Ukraine faced to get to the Euro 2012 cup.June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1551 GMT (2351 HKT) 
As national teams arrive in Poland and Ukraine, will the tournament be a football success or overshadowed by racism?June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1917 GMT (0317 HKT) 
If the pre-vote predictions had been accurate, football heavyweights Italy would be preparing to host the 2012 European Championship.
CNN's Pedro Pinto predicts who will fly and who will flop at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. Have your say here.June 6, 2012 -- Updated 1734 GMT (0134 HKT) 
Portugal have never won a major tournament at senior level, could this be the year the Euro 2012 underdogs shine?June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1859 GMT (0259 HKT) 
Some of Europe's best footballers will be missing in Poland and Ukraine this month, as the effects of another grueling season takes its toll.June 5, 2012 -- Updated 2040 GMT (0440 HKT) 
Can defending European champions Spain retain their title in Poland and Ukraine? CNN's Pedro Pinto reports.June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1902 GMT (0302 HKT) 
Euro 2012 is nearly here and the 16 competing nations have announced the final 23-man squads.June 22, 2012 -- Updated 0857 GMT (1657 HKT) 
Check out who is playing who, and where, as 16 teams compete at the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1920 GMT (0320 HKT) 
Euro 2012 hosts Ukraine and Poland have told CNN a documentary accusing fans from both nations of racism was "unbalanced and biased."May 18, 2012 -- Updated 1710 GMT (0110 HKT) 
UEFA president Michel Platini tells CNN he thinks Chancellor Angela Merkel will attend the final of Euro 2012 in Ukraine -- if Germany reach it.May 8, 2012 -- Updated 1510 GMT (2310 HKT) 
It was supposed to be a symbol of Ukraine's development, but next month's Euro 2012 tournament has become mired in controversy.April 30, 2012 -- Updated 1534 GMT (2334 HKT) 
Poland and Ukraine will host the European Championships for the first time in 2012, welcoming 14 other teams and football fans from across the continent.December 9, 2011 -- Updated 1652 GMT (0052 HKT) 
The build-up to next year's finals has truly begun, so here is CNN's guide to our top 10 most memorable European Championship moments.December 9, 2011 -- Updated 1655 GMT (0055 HKT) 
With less than 200 days to go until Euro 2012 football fans across Europe can start to look forward to the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
Today's five most popular stories
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(CNN) -- Defending champions Spain claimed an historic third successive major international trophy with a 4-0 rout of Italy in the Euro 2012 final in Kiev Sunday.
It was a breathtaking display from the 2010 World Cup winners, with victory all but sealed by halftime as goals from David Silva and Jordi Alba gave them a 2-0 lead.Substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata rounded off the emphatic win with two late strikes.Victory in the final also represents a triumph for 61-year-old coach Vicente Del Bosque, the first man to lead teams to the World Cup, European Championships and European Champions League crowns, the latter with Real Madrid in 2000 and 2002."This success in Spanish football is something historic, and now we have to look to the future and try to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil," he told gathered reporters.var currExpandable="expand16";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='sports/2012/07/01/cnni-euro-2012-snell-pinto-recap.cnn';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120701090128-euro-final-spain-trophy-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand16Store=mObj;var currExpandable="expand26";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='sports/2012/07/01/cnni-euro-2012-davis-rome-italy-final.cnn';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120701082508-euro-2012-sun-16-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand26Store=mObj;var currExpandable="expand36";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='sports/2012/07/01/cnni-spain-wins-euro-2012-snell-goodman.cnn';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120701084722-cnni-spain-wins-euro-2012-snell-goodman-00002905-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand36Store=mObj;var currExpandable="expand46";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='sports/2012/07/01/spain-euro-champs.cnn';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120701113702-spain-euro-champs-00005224-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand46Store=mObj;But for Italy and their coach Cesare Prandelli it was a bitter end to a tournament which they had earlier graced with their imaginative performances."We came up against a terrific side," Prandelli admitted.Euro 2012 LIVE: Spain vs ItalyLa Roja shone brightly from the start and with a cutting edge, despite again starting the match without a recognized striker.Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez brushed the crossbar with a fierce shot in the 10th minute after dazzling interplay but it did not take long for the pressure to pay off.Xavi's club teammate Andres Iniesta threaded a perfect pass through for Cesc Fabregas to cross for David Silva to head home on 14 minutes.Italy, who caused such a shock with a 2-1 win over Germany in the semifinals, responded with a pair of Antonio Cassano efforts, but with Mario Balotelli unable to make much impression they always looked second best.Spain went further ahead just before halftime and the goal was typical off their all round teamwork.Defender Jordi Alba exchanged passes with Xavi and burst through the center of the Italian defense before easily beating Gianluigi Buffon.This success in Spanish football is something historicVicente Del BosqueAfter the break, Italy responded with a pair of chances for Antonio di Natali, the first a header, the second with a clearer sight of goal only to be denied twice in quick succession by Spain captain Iker Casillas.Italian hopes of a comeback took a further dent when their final substitute, Thiago Motta, lasted only five minutes before being stretchered off.Against a tiring team with only 10 men, Spain eventually took full advantage after the introduction of Chelsea's Torres.Xavi found him with another superb pass and he slotted home the third on 84 minutes, becoming the first man to score in two successive European Championship finals.He had grabbed the only goal of the 2008 final win over Germany.Torres then cleverly set up his club teammate Mata to score with virtually his first touch of the ball.In doing so, Torres clinched the tournament's Golden Boot for his joint leading three goals and that final assist.We came up against a terrific side
Cesare PrandelliIt left Casillas to lift the trophy in the magnificent Olympic Stadium, the Real Madrid goalkeeper reveling in yet another showpiece triumph for a team many are calling the greatest in history."This is such a truly wonderful moment. The second goal from Jordi (Alba) clinched it really," he told Telecinco television."It's been four marvelous years. You might think that a 4-0 margin against Italy means it was easy -- but we have been gradually stepping up as the tournament went along."Sunday's final set the seal on three weeks of competition in Ukraine and Poland at eight match venues and involving 16 teams.Twenty four national sides will take their place in the next finals in France in 2016 and they will do well to match the overall high standard of attacking play in Euro 2012.Incidents of racist chanting and violent clashes between supporters from Poland and Russia marred the group stages, but fears of widespread fan violence proved just fears.This is such a truly wonderful moment. The second goal from Jordi (Alba) clinched it really
Iker CasillasUkraine's alleged mistreatment of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko also led to threats of a boycott by European political leaders, but German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended their quarterfinal victory over Greece.Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti and his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rayoy were guests at the final, a welcome distraction perhaps from the economic turmoil engulfing their austerity-hit countries in the Eurozone crisis.More controversially, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko was also among the dignitaries, despite being the subject of a European Union travel ban.His invite sparked a protest from a feminist group in Kiev before the final.
June 29, 2012 -- Updated 2226 GMT (0626 HKT) Sunday's Euro 2012 final in Kiev pits holders Spain against Italy, between them the winners of the last two World Cups.July 2, 2012 -- Updated 2355 GMT (0755 HKT) Euro 2012: Images from 13th European Championships being held in Poland and Ukraine.June 29, 2012 -- Updated 1447 GMT (2247 HKT) Can English football reinvent its "warrior" style to emulate the success of freeflowing football nations such as Spain and Germany?June 22, 2012 -- Updated 1202 GMT (2002 HKT) The Germany-Greece quarterfinal at Euro 2012 is just one example of when political and sporting lines become blurred.June 20, 2012 -- Updated 1601 GMT (0001 HKT) CNN's panel of football experts look at the Euro 2012 contenders ahead of the quarterfinal stage. With Euro 2012's group stage now over, CNN's Pedro Pinto picks out his highlights of the action in Poland and Ukraine.June 19, 2012 -- Updated 1619 GMT (0019 HKT) UEFA's decision to fine Nicklas Bendtner for revealing a sponsor's name on his underpants during Euro 2012 may have opened a can of worms. CNN's Alex Thomas wonders how such an exciting football team as Spain could become, as heretical as it may seem to say... boring.June 14, 2012 -- Updated 1543 GMT (2343 HKT) Fighting in the streets of Warsaw during the opening week of Euro 2012 is a stark reminder that football's "disease" has not been cured. CNN's Amanda Davies argues that footballers are picked for their sporting ability, not because they can do justice to their national song.June 8, 2012 -- Updated 1346 GMT (2146 HKT) Poland kicked off Euro 2012 as one of the underdogs. It is a far cry from the days when the nation was one of the most feared teams in world soccer. June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1759 GMT (0159 HKT) Euro 2012 is almost upon us and Europe's finest footballers will be marked men -- in more ways than one.June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1632 GMT (0032 HKT) CNN World Sport looks at the challenges that teams and host countries Poland and Ukraine faced to get to the Euro 2012 cup.June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1551 GMT (2351 HKT) As national teams arrive in Poland and Ukraine, will the tournament be a football success or overshadowed by racism?June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1917 GMT (0317 HKT) If the pre-vote predictions had been accurate, football heavyweights Italy would be preparing to host the 2012 European Championship. CNN's Pedro Pinto predicts who will fly and who will flop at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. Have your say here.June 6, 2012 -- Updated 1734 GMT (0134 HKT) Portugal have never won a major tournament at senior level, could this be the year the Euro 2012 underdogs shine?June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1859 GMT (0259 HKT) Some of Europe's best footballers will be missing in Poland and Ukraine this month, as the effects of another grueling season takes its toll.June 5, 2012 -- Updated 2040 GMT (0440 HKT) Can defending European champions Spain retain their title in Poland and Ukraine? CNN's Pedro Pinto reports.June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1902 GMT (0302 HKT) Euro 2012 is nearly here and the 16 competing nations have announced the final 23-man squads.June 22, 2012 -- Updated 0857 GMT (1657 HKT) Check out who is playing who, and where, as 16 teams compete at the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.June 7, 2012 -- Updated 1920 GMT (0320 HKT) Euro 2012 hosts Ukraine and Poland have told CNN a documentary accusing fans from both nations of racism was "unbalanced and biased."May 18, 2012 -- Updated 1710 GMT (0110 HKT) UEFA president Michel Platini tells CNN he thinks Chancellor Angela Merkel will attend the final of Euro 2012 in Ukraine -- if Germany reach it.May 8, 2012 -- Updated 1510 GMT (2310 HKT) It was supposed to be a symbol of Ukraine's development, but next month's Euro 2012 tournament has become mired in controversy.April 30, 2012 -- Updated 1534 GMT (2334 HKT) Poland and Ukraine will host the European Championships for the first time in 2012, welcoming 14 other teams and football fans from across the continent.December 9, 2011 -- Updated 1652 GMT (0052 HKT) The build-up to next year's finals has truly begun, so here is CNN's guide to our top 10 most memorable European Championship moments.December 9, 2011 -- Updated 1655 GMT (0055 HKT) With less than 200 days to go until Euro 2012 football fans across Europe can start to look forward to the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.Today's five most popular storiesView the original article here
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